OPPOSITE PAGE : RYAN GARVIN ; THIS PAGE : JOSH BUSTOS ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY
The maximalism design trend is marked by big artwork and an eclectic mix of bold colors , shapes and patterns , as seen in the spaces designed by Erica Bryen ( opposite page ) and Shelley Starr ( this page ).
DESIGN ENTHUSIASTS ARE INCREASINGLY EMBRACING A BOLD AND VIBRANT APPROACH TO INTERIOR DESIGN : MAXIMALISM . THE ANTITHESIS OF MINIMALISM , THIS AESTHETIC ENCOURAGES THE USE OF AN ECLECTIC MIX OF BOLD COLORS , PATTERNS , SHAPES AND MATERIALS TO CREATE DISTINCT SPACES THAT REFLECT HOMEOWNERS ’ PERSONALITIES .
Newport Beach-based interior designers Erica Bryen and Shelley Starr explain how this expressive home trend allows homeowners to embrace authenticity . By challenging the societal norm of conformity , maximalism grants permission to celebrate intentional excess and individuality .
“ I think a lot of people hire designers and want the same thing ,” says Bryen , owner and principal designer at her eponymous Erica Bryen Design . “ In other parts of the world , you hire designers because you want something completely different and outside of the box .”
This echoes a growing frustration among designers who wish to reject the cookie-cutter style , which Bryen says has led to homeowners incorporating the same pieces from the same trendy home decor stores . This sentiment is shared by Starr , president and principal designer at Shelley Starr Interior Design .
“ For me , … [ in the ] island life of Balboa or Newport Beach , I just see a whole lot of white paneling and a whole lot of very bland interiors ,” Starr says . “ We ’ ve become very homogenized .”
Both professionals find it shocking when people are impressed by these identical homes when , in reality , 10 other houses on the same street may look exactly the same . The call to action is clear : Embrace authenticity and break free from the mold , for homeowners and designers alike .
NEWPORT BEACH MAGAZINE 31